About us

Hearts & Minds started out in 1978 under the auspices of Mental Health Service of the Area Health Board and in 1984 became the North Shore Community Health Network Inc (commonly known as Raeburn House). In 2017 in response to community feedback, we changed our name to Hearts & Minds NZ to better reflect our focus on the whole-of-person to whole-of-community approach to wellbeing. We are a wellbeing catalyst providing community development, support, resources and information to individuals and communities, with an emphasis on affordability and accessibility.

Over the last 40+ years, the organisation grew its reach, credibility and impact to the wider community and is highly respected by General Practitioners, Psychologists, Clinicians, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland Council, Community, and those whom we have journeyed with to support them on their wellbeing pathways. We recently underwent a name change to “Hearts & Minds”, a brand that symbolises the services we now provide for the ‘whole person’.

People-centred wellbeing

Hearts & Minds’ integrative unique model ensures the ‘whole of person’ approach is both valuing and supportive, generating real results in the lives of people and families.

The World Health Organisation has stated that “research and literature findings indicate when communities are well-informed, have access to information, resources and support, and are engaged in identifying their own health needs and solutions, then the wellbeing / health outcomes in those communities are greatly improved.”

For 40 years’, this has proven to be our experience.

We continue to build, promote and provide wellbeing platforms that supports the hearts and minds, body and spirit of people within our communities. We are passionate about ensuring that everyone has access to wellbeing support services available within their communities and we do this in a number of ways.

Hearts & Minds develops and delivers groups and workshops that build mental resilience as determined by the needs within our communities. We also compile, update and provide a Support Services Directory that is widely used by GPs, the District Health Board, schools and other agencies, to enable anyone to identify and access specialist organisations for their points of need.

Our health navigation is a cornerstone of what we do because the process allows individuals to more clearly determine what their needs are and subsequently, what best-fit services are available to them. This is critical to assisting each person to begin or progress their wellbeing journey. We know of no other agency that works with clients in the way we do, and our approach has been recognised by the District Health Boards as key to the Wellbeing Pathway for patients.

“Thank you so much for your help and advice, with Hearts & Minds support I am moving forward in my wellbeing journey”